Comparison
Pyramid vs Forty Thieves
| Pyramid | Forty Thieves | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | One deck | 2 decks |
| Suits | 4 | 4 |
| Typical length | 8 min | 25 min |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Hard |
| How much skill matters | Low | High |
| How much the shuffle matters | High | Low |
| Family | Pyramid family | Standalone |
| Good for beginners | Yes | No |
We have not written a verdict for this pairing. The comparison above is drawn from each game's own recorded facts — follow either link for its full rules and strategy.
Pyramid
Clear a 28-card pyramid by pairing exposed cards that add up to 13.
Twenty-eight cards form a pyramid of seven rows, each card half-covered by the two below it. Remove pairs that add up to thirteen — Ace with Queen, two with Jack, and so on, counting Jack as eleven, Queen as twelve and King as thirteen.
Forty Thieves
Build strict same-suit sequences across ten columns dealt from two decks — one of the toughest classic patience games.
Two decks are dealt face up into ten columns of four, so the whole tableau is visible from the start. Columns build downward strictly by suit — a seven of hearts takes only the six of hearts — and eight foundations build each suit up from Ace to King.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is harder, Pyramid or Forty Thieves?
- Pyramid is generally rated beginner difficulty, while Forty Thieves is rated hard — so most players find one noticeably harder than the other.